What are yellow, sharply demarcated cholesterol deposits within the periorbital skin called?

The yellow, sharply demarcated cholesterol deposits found within the periorbital skin are specifically referred to as xanthelasma. This condition is characterized by yellowish plaques that are often located around the eyelids and are considered a manifestation of lipid metabolism disorders. Xanthelasma is associated with elevated cholesterol levels and may indicate underlying conditions such as hyperlipidemia or other metabolic issues.

These lesions are distinct in appearance and typically present as smooth, soft plaques that can vary in size and may be bilateral. Recognizing xanthelasma is important in clinical practice, as it can serve as a visual cue for potential systemic cholesterol abnormalities.

In contrast, while xanthomas also refer to cholesterol deposits, they can occur in various locations on the body and take different forms, such as tendinous xanthomas or eruptive xanthomas, which differ from the specific periorbital presentation of xanthelasma. Cholesteroloma refers to a localized area of cholesterol deposition but is not commonly used to describe the specific appearance of xanthelasma. Hyaloma is not considered relevant in this context, as it does not pertain to cholesterol deposits at all.